Minor axis bending strength of angle beams

Results of tests on six angle beams bending about the minor axis are presented. Three sizes of angles were included in the investigation: 75 x 75 x 9, 75 x 75 x 12 and 350 x 350 x 35 mm. Three of the six specimens were tested with Ieg tips in tension, while the other three had Ieg tips in compression. The bending moments at failure are 1% to 9% greater than the plastic moment of resistance. The test failure moments exceeded the nominal flexural strengths calculated as per the American Institute of Steel Construction’s Specification for Load and Resistance Factor Design of Single Angle Members (1993) by 30% to 64%. The deflections at 1.25 times the yield moment are only 1.27 to 1.29 times the deflections at yield. It is concluded that the current AISC-LRFD (1993) specification clauses dealing with the minor axis bending strength of angle members are highly conservative and need to be revised in the interest of design economy.